2026 Fashion Forecast: Color Trends and New Color Combos for 2026

By Lisa Oberst 11 January 2026
Woman wearing suede brown blazer with cowprint Womads Crossbody bag. 

Fashion Trends for 2026: Confidence Meets Color

2026 is all about confidence, color, and comfort. This year's trends lean into intentional dressing whether that's through comfort or storytelling through our clothes. 

I feel like now and going into 2026 we are going to be dressing with a purpose. Whether that's the purpose of showing up who you want to be or showing up to be comfortable but confident. There is going to be more intention behind what people wear and how they choose to show up. 

For 2026, we're betting on longevity; timeless pieces that feel good and stay relevant. And after years of muted palettes, color is finally making its comeback.

Thank god because I love color. 

Hi my name is Lisa and I am the founder of Womads, a boutique online shop that has perfected high quality leather shoes and accessories. I love making products that are easy to style while still having unique touches. I’ve always been one to focus on intentional shopping and buying things that are not only unique but also timeless.

After some research and my own chatting with others in the fashion industry here’s what I think 2026 will look and feel like. 

Monochromatic Outfits

Shades from the same color family owned 2025 and it's the kind of effortless elegance that we want to keep in 2026. 

This styling technique creates a clean, fashion-forward look with minimal effort. And something about pairing similar color families looks very chic and intentional.

Woman wearing champagne halter dress Gold Womads Crossbody bag. 

How to style it:

  • Denim-on-denim: Mix light and dark washes for dimension and easy styling with things you likely already own.  

  • Blue layers: Pair navy with a lighter shade of the blue, the contrast is simple and gives you that everyday casual look. I love pairing the Womads Night Sky peep toe sandals with a light denim wash. The look is simple and effortless.

  • Pair bright with deep: Think burgundy trousers with a cherry red sweater. Something about a deep shade with a brighter one helps balance each other out. That's what we are looking for with a monochrome look, colors that balance rather than over shadow. 

  • Black on black: Black on black, off-white on off-white, they are staples and always look good together.

Woman wearing denim on denim holding white Oxfords and white crossbody bag.

The key with the monochromatic look is playing with different tones, fabrics and textures within the same color family. 

This approach is perfect for minimalist wardrobes that still want visual interest—check out our minimalist wardrobe guide for more styling and wardrobe tips.

2. All Color Everything: Bold Color Combos for 2026

While pops of color will always have their place, 2026 sees full color making a major statement and it's making me so excited. People are becoming more comfortable with playing with color and standing out. This isn't about adding a colorful accessory, it's about embracing color as the main event.

Woman in blue and yellow color block dress holding blue Womads crossbody bag and matching peep toe sandals.

Color blocking is back: Think pairing that bright blue coat with chocolate brown trousers, or mixing cherry red with emerald green. The 2025 runways showed us that unexpected color combinations create the most memorable looks. Don't be afraid to experiment—2026 is about confidence in your choices.

Yellow trousers paired with blue blouse and matching blue Oxfords.

Neutral lovers, don't worry: Camel, beige, and warm taupes are still very much in play and they always will be. In late 2025 and moving into 2026 our neutrals are being used as grounding elements to help colors stand out. Use your neutrals as layers or accessories. Pairing a bright color with a neutral Oxford or a White Womads Crossbody bag. 

And for a quick styling tip when playing with colors and neutrals use Womads' interchangeable straps and bags to play with color without committing to an entirely new wardrobe. Swap a neutral strap for a bold color to instantly transform your outfit and add visual interest to pieces you already own. This is sustainable fashion at its best—reworking what you have in fresh, exciting ways.

NOTE: INSERT VIDEO OF LISA WITH DIFFERENT STRAPS 

3. Collared Comeback: Easy Structure

Collared shirts and trench-inspired pieces are making a major return, transitioning from runway to high street fashion. Whether worn with the collar popped or relaxed, this simple detail feels intentional. 

Woman holding white crossbody bag and pink collard shirt.

A collared shirt can add visual interest to the simplest combination—think jeans and a tee but with a popped collar. Or popped collar then a knit sweater over top with the collar peaking out. 

Things feel more intentional in 2026, and this is a prime example of dressing with purpose while keeping it effortless.

Styling note: The trend leans toward undone elegance—think unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled casually, or layered under a fitted knit. It's polished without being precious. It's intentional dressing even if it looks undone. 

4. Two-Piece Sets and Relaxed Fits

Matching two-piece sets continue to dominate and for a good reason. These coordinated looks are the answer to quick mornings when you still want to look polished and put together.

Woman wearing blue paid two sets

Popular combinations:

  • Linen pants with matching button-up tops 

  • Wide-leg trousers with coordinating oversized blazers 

  • Knit sets that feel like loungewear but look chic and elegant.

Matching sets are perfect to have in your wardrobe because you can wear them together for an instant outfit or style them separately.

5. Texture Talk: Depth and Dimension

2026 introduces more texture and details that add interest without relying on busy patterns. These subtle touches create visual depth and character, making even the simplest silhouettes feel special but timeless and unique.

Black textured dress and yellow peep toe sandals

Ruffles is one texture I love because they add movement and a beautiful feminine touch. 

Woman wearing orange dress paired with blue Womads peep toes.

6. Feeling Confident: The Core of 2026 Style

The biggest trend of 2026 isn't a color or cut—it's confidence and owning what you choose to wear.

Woman wearing navy wrap dress paired with white crossbody bag.

2026 fashion is about dressing intentionally and choosing what makes you feel like you. Comfort and self-expression are at the heart of modern style. 

What this looks like in practice:

  • Choosing pieces that align with your lifestyle, not just what's trending
  • Investing in quality items that last and can be styled multiple ways
  • Playing with trends that genuinely excite you (not every trend needs to be your trend)

At Womads, we believe style should empower you, not constrain you. Our interchangeable bags and accessories are designed to give you freedom—the freedom to experiment with color, swap your look on the fly, and create a wardrobe that evolves with you.

The Final Word: Your 2026 Style Guide

Champagne two piece set paired with lilac crossbody and lilac peep toe sandals.

As we step into 2026, fashion is giving us permission to be bold, intentional, and unapologetically ourselves. Whether you're embracing the monochrome look, simply adding a texture to your everyday looks,  the best trend is the one that makes you feel confident.

Your 2026 action plan:

  • Identify which trends resonate with your personal style
  • Start with accessories (like Womads' straps and bags) to test new colors risk-free
  • Invest in versatile two-piece sets that work across occasions
  • Don't be afraid of color but also don't feel pressured to wear it if it's not you
  • Focus on texture and quality over quantity

Fashion in 2026 rewards intentionality. It's not about having everything, it's about having the right things and wearing them with purpose.

Ready to embrace 2026 in style? Explore our collections and follow us on socials to get more fashion styling tips.